Small Loans Australia

... helping Australians to finance a better future

Small Loans Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Business Confidence Plummets Amidst Economic Challenges

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In an unexpected turn of events, business confidence has experienced a substantial decline this November, marking a significant shift from last month's brief positive outlook, according to the National Australia Bank (NAB).

A recent NAB survey revealed a notable drop in business confidence by eight points, taking it to minus three, accompanied by a five-point decline in business conditions.

The downturn is particularly pronounced in the manufacturing and retail sectors, which showed the weakest performance in goods production and distribution. Conversely, the services sectors are holding strong, indicating disparities in economic resilience within the different sectors. NAB's findings further revealed that all sub-components of business conditions are now at or below average levels.

Geographically, South Australia and Victoria experienced the weakest conditions, while Queensland was the sole state to exhibit an improvement. "Confidence fell sharply in November and is now back below average," stated NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster. He acknowledged the persistent trend of below-average business confidence despite last month's optimistic observations.

The survey's negative sentiment is echoed in declining forward orders from the mining and retail industries, sectors that have lagged behind the long-term average throughout most of the year. However, service sectors such as recreation, finance, and property services continue to perform well above their counterparts.

On a positive note, capacity utilisation remains robust at 82.4%, surpassing the long-term average. Capital expenditure has also increased by 10 points, indicating sustained investment activity. Additionally, consumer prices show potential disinflationary trends, with retail prices taking a 0.6% dip and recreation and personal services seeing a 0.7% decline. Overall, output price growth held stable at a quarterly 0.6%.

Mr. Oster highlighted the mixed economic signals: "Overall, the survey points to ongoing soft growth in Q4 though with capacity utilisation unchanged at an above-average level. It will likely take more time for price pressures to fully normalise."

These developments emerge in the context of NAB's Australian housing market analysis, which, alongside data from CoreLogic, alludes to a correction phase for the real estate market as December progresses.

The report indicated that house values in four out of eight capitals decreased, led by Melbourne. Despite 22 consecutive months of growth previously, November's overall house price increase stirred faintly at just 0.1%. Notably, Perth stood out with a 1.1% increase, reflecting annual growth of 3% for the quarter, albeit much lower than earlier figures.

Highlights revealed muted growth in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, contrasting with declines in Melbourne, Darwin, and Sydney where high-end properties faced more significant depreciations. A persistent increment in regional housing, recording a 1.1% rise over three months, shows diversification in house price trends nationally.

Factors such as rising inventory levels, particularly visible in Sydney and Melbourne, underscore shifting dynamics; listings across major cities have surged 16% this quarter. This is met with a decline in home sales, particularly felt in Sydney.

With rental prices continuing their climb-albeit at a slower pace-Tim Lawless of CoreLogic states, "Housing markets are likely to be arriving in 2025 on relatively weaker footing, with value growth losing steam...advertised stock levels rising, unaffordability at record highs, and demand no longer keeping pace with the flow of new listings." Until interest rates fall, pressure on housing trends appears unlikely to ease significantly.

Published:Tuesday, 10th Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

AFCA Issues Caution to Small Businesses on Unregulated Lending Risks

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently highlighted a significant concern for small businesses: the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This warning comes in response to a record number of complaints from small business owners, many of which involve lenders not affiliated with AFCA. - read more

ASIC Flags Compliance Concerns Among Small Credit Lenders

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently expressed concerns regarding the compliance practices of certain small credit lenders. A comprehensive review conducted by ASIC revealed that some providers of small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be steering vulnerable consumers towards financial products that offer fewer protections, potentially exposing them to increased financial risk. - read more

Commonwealth Bank Adjusts Lending Policies for Companies and Trusts

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has recently implemented changes to its lending policies concerning companies and trusts. Effective from November 22, 2025, these adjustments require that borrowers seeking loans under these structures must have an existing relationship with the bank. - read more

ASIC Raises Concerns Over Payday Lenders' Compliance with Consumer Protection Laws

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently highlighted significant concerns regarding the practices of certain payday lenders. A comprehensive review conducted by ASIC suggests that some providers of small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be engaging in activities that contravene consumer protection laws. - read more

So Money Launches Tailored Lending Solutions for Self-Employed and SMEs

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Non-bank lender So Money is expanding its services to cater to Australia's burgeoning small business sector by introducing new lending solutions specifically designed for self-employed borrowers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic move aims to simplify the income verification process and provide more flexible financing options to a traditionally underserved market. - read more

APRA's New Lending Cap: What Homebuyers Need to Know

25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more

ASIC's Findings on Private Lending Practices

25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, uncovering several areas of concern. The investigation revealed inconsistent and unclear reporting, downplayed risks, opaque fee structures, conflicts of interest, and poor valuation practices within the industry. - read more

OnDeck Australia's Broker-Originated SME Loans Skyrocket by 246%

17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's small business sector, OnDeck Australia has reported a remarkable 246% year-on-year increase in broker-originated small business loans funded in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This surge underscores a renewed confidence among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in leveraging broker channels for their financing needs. - read more

AFCA Alerts Small Businesses to Dangers of Unregulated Lending

17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a cautionary advisory to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This warning comes in response to a notable increase in complaints that fall outside AFCA's jurisdiction, leaving many business owners without recourse when disputes arise. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Personal Loans Articles

How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Personal Loan

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending you money. - read more

The Path to Financial Freedom: Effective Debt Management Tips

Financial freedom is the ability to live life without being burdened by the stress of money woes. Imagine having enough savings to cover emergencies, living comfortably without constant financial anxiety, and even planning for retirement confidently. This is the goal many Australians strive for – a peaceful and secure life that isn't dominated by worries about bills and debt. - read more

Debt Consolidation Strategies: How to Regain Control of Your Finances

Debt can often feel like a formidable obstacle on the path to financial stability. Many individuals battle with various forms of debt, from high-interest credit cards to significant loans that seem to have an unyielding grip on their financial lives. Recognizing the challenges that debt presents is the critical first step towards regaining control of your personal finances. - read more

Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals?

The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation

Loans can play a significant role in shaping our financial landscapes. For many Australians, they are vital tools for achieving milestones like buying a home, financing education, or starting a business. However, selecting the wrong type of loan can have a detrimental impact on your financial health, leaving you with unwanted debt and stress. - read more

Quick Fixes for Common Credit Score Issues in Australia

Credit scores play a crucial role in your financial life, influencing your ability to access loans, credit cards, and even housing rentals. In Australia, your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which lenders use to assess the risk of lending to you. - read more

Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans

In simple terms, a loan is an amount of money you borrow from a lender and agree to pay back over time, often with interest. Loans come in various forms and can be tailored to suit different needs, such as buying a home, financing a car, or consolidating debt. - read more

Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit

Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more

A Beginner's Guide to Personal Loans During Financial Hardship

Welcome to our beginner's guide on personal loans during financial hardship. Navigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, but personal loans could serve as a viable solution. This article will cover what personal loans are, how they work, and why they might be beneficial during tough times. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase

Portfolio:
A range of investments held by an individual or institution.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.